Kiosk blood pressure measurement in Japan: clinical and population application

Abstract

Kiosk blood pressure measurement refers to the self-measurement of blood pressure unattended by medical staff using an automated device in workplaces or public spaces, e.g., gymnasiums, shopping malls, or governmental facilities. Kiosk blood pressure devices consist mainly of automated rolling-type sphygmomanometers that are widely used in health check-ups, hospital waiting rooms, pharmacies, and even at home. The distinguished advantage of kiosk blood pressure measurement is that there can be a casual opportunity to self-measure blood pressure, making them suitable for the identification of high blood pressure. We propose to apply the term “kiosk blood pressure measurement” to all kinds of blood pressure self-measurement out-of-home, and to perform kiosk blood pressure measurements as closely as possible, similar to the self-measured home blood pressure condition, since it is a self-measurement and an unattended setting. Although kiosk blood pressure has various challenges, such as device validation, measurement environments, conditions, and long-term maintenance, we should recognize its benefits and encourage people to know their own blood pressure through the kiosk measurement, leading to self-care for their high blood pressure.